Rankings, three-year stats (if available) and a breakdown on the running backs. Rankings based on a standard-scoring league that awards one point for every 10 yards rushing or receiving, one point for every 25 yards passing and six points for any touchdown.

BEFORE we get to the rankings, if anyone is interested in playing in our Times-Picayune fantasy football league with media experts and readers, please email me at jderry@timespicayune.com. I will be selecting readers by random draw, and will contact the chosen players by Monday, Aug. 23.

Players on the rise are indicated with a + symbol (up to three). Players whose stock is on the decline is noted with a # symbol (up to three). Yards-per-game stats are rushing/receiving; touchdowns are combined rushing and receiving.

Ted S. Warren / Associated PressIt's hard to imagine one could go wrong by making Tennessee's Chris Johnson the No. 1 overall pick in any fantasy football draft

1. Chris Johnson, Tennessee (Bye: 9)Two-year stats: 31G, 104 rushing/25 receiving yds/gm, 26TDBreakdown: He wasn’t the first player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, but he might have been the most impressive. Game after game, Johnson took off with several 50-plus-yard runs, darting past defenses like they were standing still. All that on a mediocre team with a less-than-mediocre quarterback and receivers, which meant the opposition was keying on him. The fact that it didn’t matter leads me to believe that he could have a similar season in 2010, assuming he stays healthy. That’s why he should be the No. 1 overall pick in just about any format.

Breakdown: Fumbleitis is about the only thing holding down A.P. these days. While his breakaway speed isn’t quite as impressive as Johnson’s, he has more power and better players surrounding him, which makes it tougher to put eight in the box. Bottom line is it is understandable if you decide to pick Peterson with the first pick. Just don’t expect him to stop putting the ball on the ground.

3. Ray Rice, Baltimore (Bye: 8)Two-year stats: 29G, 62/34 yds/gm, 8TDBreakdown: In just two seasons, Rice has become as versatile and as important to his team as any other non-quarterback in football. Many probably don’t realize just how big a quantum leap he actually took from his rookie season, as he combined for more than 2,000 yards rushing and receiving. While he might not surpass that number this year with Anquan Boldin in the mix at receiver and the expansion of the passing game in Baltimore, Rice could have as good a season as either of the two guys who will be drafted ahead of him.

4. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville (Bye: 9)Three-year stats: 47G, 63/29 yds/gm, 39TDBreakdown: Many experts have MJD as their No. 3 pick, and it’s easy to see why. While I think Rice will be just a little better because of his surroundings, this little guy finds a way to post big numbers. No question Jacksonville will be counting on him to give them a shot at the postseason, as will any fantasy owner who decides to draft him. But defenses will stack the box against him on almost every first and second down, which will be just enough to stymie his production just a bit.

5. Michael Turner, Atlanta (Bye: 8)Three-year stats: 43G, 67/2 yds/gm, 28TDBreakdown: A high-ankle sprain was a huge disappointment to those who were expecting the 17 touchdowns he put up in 2008. It’s hard to see Turner nearing that lofty total this season, but 14 or 15 is well within his reach. He’d be more valuable if he had any production catching the ball, but that doesn’t seem as if it’s going to happen. In fact, if you play in a league which awards a point per reception, I’d probably drop him below Frank Gore.

6. Frank Gore, San Francisco (Bye: 9)Three-year stats: 43G, 76/28 yds/gm, 27TDBreakdown: The biggest negative for Gore is that he has been injury-prone throughout his career, otherwise he would be ahead of Turner. With all the weapons in San Francisco, it’s still no question he is the key to the 49ers offense. If Gore can’t stay healthy, the rest of the offense, especially Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree will suffer, especially with the fact backup Michael Coffee deciding to leave camp. The reward to the risk of drafting Gore, however, is very high.

Gregory Bull / Associated PressHeading into the season, San Diego's Ryan Mathews is unquestionably the top rookie in fantasy football, and he likely will be chosen in the second round of most drafts.

7. Ryan Mathews, San Diego +++ (Bye: 10)Three-year stats: None, rookieBreakdown: There has been so much hype placed upon this kid, that it will be very tough for him to measure up to those odds. Still, the thinking here is that in this offense, he would have to flop not to have 900 to 1,000 yards rushing and double-digit touchdowns. If you’re drafting late in the first round, and have an early second-round pick, then a top-notch QB followed by Mathews should be in order.

8. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina (Bye: 6)Three-year stats: 44G, 76/12 yds/gm, 32TDBreakdown: For two consecutive seasons, Williams has just found a way to get the job done. The plan in Carolina has worked with the two-back offense, and it certainly has helped to keep Williams fresh. Still, drafting Williams in the second round could be a risky pick, as the Panthers’ passing game might just be THAT bad. And stuffing the box against a bull-runner like Williams will cut down on his numbers.

9. Cedric Benson, Cincinnati (Bye: 6)Three-year stats: 36G, 74/12 yds/gm, 12TDBreakdown: While it seems like forever since Benson was in the doghouse in Chicago, fantasy players should temper their enthusiasm over him. One great year does not make a player, and the stats show that. While there’s no discounting the fact that the Bengals are back on the upswing, who knows what T.O. will do to the chemistry there, and Benson still has to prove that he’s worthy of being a fantasy team’s No. 1 RB.

10. Ryan Grant, Green Bay (Bye: 10)Three-year stats: 47G, 73/10 yds/gm, 24TDBreakdown: After having a tough time finding the end zone in 2008, Grant rebounded well, especially late in the season. He has become one of the focal points of one of the NFL’s top offenses. It’s easy to assume that his stats in 2010 will be similar to the averages he has posted over the past three seasons. If you’re drafting this week, just make sure the knock he took to the head against Cleveland last week isn’t anything serious.

Michael DeMocker / The Times-PicayuneRams running back Steven Jackson could have a tough time playing with a rookie quarterback for one of the NFL's worst teams.

11. Steven Jackson, St. Louis ### (Bye: 9)Three-year stats: 39G, 89/25 yds/gm, 18TDBreakdown: Perhaps no one other than Larry Fitzgerald will suffer this season for being on a bad team with an unproven quarterback. Don’t be the guy who drafts Jackson early in the second round – or worse – late in the first round. If you get stuck and HAVE to draft him, just cross your fingers, cross your toes, say the rosary and hope for the best. Oh, and hope he stays injury-free, too.

12. Shonn Greene, NY Jets (Bye: 7)2009 stats: 14G, 39/0 yds/gm, 2TD Breakdown: He keeps creeping up the draft boards of nearly every expert. Truth is, Greene will be sharing touches – especially near the goal line – with some guy named L.T. No doubt Greene has a very promising future ahead of him, but there are better options who are closer to sure things. However, if you’re the gambling type, Greene could just make his way into the top 10 RBs, and you could look like a genius.

13. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh # (Bye: 7)Two-year stats: 20G, 58/14 yds/gm, 8TDBreakdown: Speaking of running backs climbing the charts, I am not as enamored with Mendenhall as most others. The biggest reason is that without Ben Roethlisberger for the first part of the season, the focus will be squarely on the running game. And while there’s no doubting the talent of the Illinois product, the Steelers don’t want to put the full load on him. It will be tougher with Willie Parker gone, but look for Isaac Redman to help lessen Mendenhall’s burden.

14. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City (Bye: 4)Two-year stats: 31G, 48/18 yds/gm, 9TDBreakdown: Charles, who made every fantasy owner take notice of him last season, is dropping a bit down draft boards as Thomas Jones looks to steal some of his thunder. If you were high on him before, there really is no reason to temper your enthusiasm, as the two-back system has worked for most teams. Charles still will get the bulk of the carries, and with that comes the bulk of the yards. Still, keep an eye on the situation, but there’s a good chance you could get a steal in the middle rounds.

15. Knowshon Moreno, Denver # (Bye: 9)2009 stats: 16G, 59/13 yds/gm, 9TDBreakdown: Out for the first half of the preseason with a troublesome hamstring, Moreno might have a tough go this year on what is beginning to look like a bad football team. While he’ll get quite a few more touches, don’t expect his yardage totals to skyrocket. He still has the capability to score 10 to 12 touchdowns, and that’s good enough to draft him in the top 20 RBs, but do so at your own risk.

Susan Poag / The Times-PicayuneIf you take Pierre Thomas as your No. 2 running back, you probably don't have anything to worry about.

16. Pierre Thomas, New Orleans (Bye: 10)Three-year stats: 41G, 41/18 yds/gm, 22TDBreakdown: After Drew Brees, there might not be a more sure thing for the NFL’s No. 1 offense than Thomas. Game after game, he just performs, and while not at the level of an elite fantasy back, he has become an integral part of the Saints offense, via the run and the screen pass. He’s certainly worthy of being a No. 2 RB and being drafted in the fourth or fifth round.

17. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia (Bye: 8)2009 stats: 16G, 40/19 yds/gm, 4TDBreakdown: Out of the shadows of Brian Westbrook, McCoy is poised to take a big step up. He also will be one of Kevin Kolb’s targets coming out of the backfield, which can only make him more valuable. If he flies under the radar in your draft and is available in the fourth or fifth round, he could be a solid No. 2 RB for you, possibly even a No. 1 by season’s end.

18. Beanie Wells, Arizona # (Bye: 6)2009 stats: 16G, 50/9 yds/gm, 7TDBreakdown: Where his situation differs most from Steven Jackson’s is the fact the Cardinals have weapons to throw to, and Wells will not have the big bull’s-eye on him. Still, he will suffer a bit from not having a solid quarterback, and there will be a ton of pressure on him to pull more than his share, especially on first and second downs.

19. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis (Bye: 7)Three-year stats: 42G, 58/22 yds/gm, 35TD Breakdown: Could there be a more opposite situation for Addai from Wells’? The former LSU Tiger’s numbers may begin to slip as he enters his fifth season and has Donald Brown waiting in the wings. Still, his TD totals rose from five in 2008 to 10 last season, and he gained more than 1,000 yards rushing for the second straight year. There’s no question Peyton loves having Addai in the backfield, and will count on him as much as ever.

20. Ronnie Brown, Miami (Bye: 5)Three-year stats: 32G, 68/23 yds/gm, 23TDBreakdown: If he can get past the injury bug, Brown could be one of the most exciting and versatile running backs in the NFL. Problem is, once a player is labeled as an injury risk, he often doesn’t shed the problem. While a huge risk, he could reap huge rewards. Up to you if you want to gamble.

Paul Sancya / Associated PressLions rookie Jahvid Best has a chance to make a real impact and is worth a shot in fifth or sixth round.

21. Jahvid Best, Detroit ++ (Bye: 7)Three-year stats: None, rookieBreakdown: Already, it appears as if Best has a leg up on Kevin Smith to get the majority of touches in Detroit. Now usually that wouldn’t be a big deal, but the Lions offense will be much improved, and Best has the skills to be a strong No. 3 running back from the get-go. And he’ll only get better.

22. Marion Barber, Dallas (Bye: 4)Three-year stats: 46G, 61/20 yds/gm, 28TDBreakdown: This time last year, many fantasy players were drooling over the thought of possibly grabbing Barber late in the second round or early third. This season, he is flying under the radar. While he doesn’t spend as much time on the field as he used to, especially with big-play threat Felix Jones around, he could be a phenomenal pick in the fifth or sixth round.

23. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina (Bye: 6)Two-year stats: 32G, 62/6 yds/gm, 21TDBreakdown: Other than possibly in Miami, no team works the tandem-back situation better than Carolina. Both Stewart and DeAngelo Williams are key components to the Panthers offense, and both are solid fantasy picks. Despite Williams getting more chances in the red zone – and probably a few more yards – Stewart already has proven he will get plenty enough touches to warrant being picked in the fifth/sixth round.

24. Matt Forte, Chicago (Bye: 8)Two-year stats: 32G, 68/30 yds/gm, 16TDBreakdown: What a drop for a guy who most had as a sure-fire, first-round pick in 2009. However, those are usually the same guys you can get a year later at a bargain. That could be the case here with the former Tulane product. Forte has the skills, and if the Bears offense can get going, he could be a very nice surprise.

25. Brandon Jacobs, NY Giants # (Bye: 8)Three-year stats: 41G, 72/10 yds/gm, 27TDBreakdown: It wasn’t very long ago that Jacobs looked as if he was entering the world of top-10 running backs. But since 2008 when he rushed for almost 1,100 yards and scored 15 touchdowns, he endured injury problems, and Ahmad Bradshaw has stolen some of his playing time. Still, Jacobs could be a real steal in the early middle rounds, and has a strong chance to be a solid No. 2 fantasy back if he can hold off Bradshaw.

26. Clinton Portis, Washington # (Bye: 9)Three-year stats: 40G, 69/10 yds/gm, 18TDBreakdown: Seems like every year at draft time, while Portis slips further and further down mock drafts, someone will pull the trigger on him well before his time. They just can’t help themselves, it seems. Do yourself a favor, and let someone else be the one who thinks that this just HAS to be the year Portis is back to his old self. Ain’t gonna happen.

Michael DeMocker / The Times-PicayuneWhile Reggie Bush's fantasy numbers aren't what some might have expected four years ago, they're still solid enough to make him a strong No. 3 running back.

27. Reggie Bush, New Orleans (Bye: 10)Three-year stats: 36G, 38/33 yds/gm, 20TDBreakdown: As strange as it seems to say, Bush has become fairly consistent in the fact that he has similar numbers year after year. The biggest problem with that is those numbers aren’t anywhere near where fantasy players thought they would be when he came to the Saints in 2006. Still, as a flex player, or on a fantasy team in a league that rewards points for receptions, Reggie still is a useful back and more likely than not, a starter.

28. C.J. Spiller, Buffalo + (Bye: 6)Three-year stats: None, rookieBreakdown: While this is higher than most experts like him, Spiller’s stock rises with the minor injuries to Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch. There is no question Spiller will get the majority of touches in the preseason, and he has a solid chance to make it tough on the Bills’ coaching staff to go back to the veterans.

29. Cadillac Williams, Tampa Bay (Bye: 4)Three-year stats: 26G, 48/11 yds/gm, 14TDBreakdown: Raise your hand if you were one of the ones who gave up on Williams? If you’re not raising your hand, you’re just not being honest. The injury-prone RB (a common theme from Auburn guys?) has made his way back and could be a real value pick if he slips in drafts. He probably won’t, though, so you better have quality depth if you take him.

30. Felix Jones, Dallas (Bye: 4)Two-year stats: 20G, 48/6 yds/gm, 6TDBreakdown: Jones has carved a niche with the Cowboys as a big-play guy. In the fantasy world, that’s not necessarily a good thing, because when he has a game in which he doesn’t hit the home run, he’s not really worth very much. To be a winning team, having consistency is very important. Especially because he has trouble staying healthy, I’d only want him as a backup.

31. LaDainian Tomlinson, NY Jets (Bye: 7)Three-year stats: 46G, 72/23 yds/gm, 43TDBreakdown: It is so, so sad to see L.T. not even among the top 30 overall RBs. It seemed for so long that he would be the consensus, no-brainer No. 1 overall pick for the rest of our lives. Yes, I thought for a long time that even when he was 50, L.T. would just limp out there and score 20 touchdowns. What this all means is the chump in the room who doesn’t know any better – yeah, the one flipping through the magazines asking if Adrian Peterson is still available – will take him well before you get a chance to make him a bargain in the eighth or ninth round. Gosh, I hate that guy.

32. Ahmad Bradshaw, NY Giants + (Bye: 8)Three-year stats: 42G, 32/6 yds/gm, 10TDBreakdown: Word is that Bradshaw actually has pulled ahead of Brandon Jacobs for the starting spot in New York. I will believe it when I see it, but there’s not much doubt both of these talented backs will get plenty of carries. Bradshaw could be a real nice value pick in middle rounds.

33. Justin Forsett, Seattle + (Bye: 5)Two-year stats: 30G, 21/12 yds/gm, 5TDBreakdown: Although he has the tools to be a solid No.1 back for the Seahawks, whenever you hear the words “running back by committee,” it’s immediately time for a fantasy owner to back off. The thing is someone will end up grabbing the No. 1 spot in Seattle, and Forsett has the best chance to do so over Julius Jones and Leon Washington.

34. Donald Brown, Indianapolis (Bye: 7)2009 stats: 11G, 26/15 yds/gm, 3TDBreakdown: It was no secret the Colts didn’t feel comfortable not having a backup who could be take some of the burden off Joseph Addai. Enter Brown, who became a bigger part of the team’s offense as the season went along until he missed five games with a shoulder injury. If he can stay healthy, he should gain an even bigger role, which is good for both Addai and Brown.

Ted Jackson / Times-PicayuneLaurence Maroney will be a key contributor in the potent New England offense.

35. Laurence Maroney, New England (Bye: 5)Three-year stats: 31G, 54/7 yds/gm, 15TDBreakdown: A nice comeback season for Maroney in 2009, when he rushed for more that 750 yards and nine touchdowns. The offense in New England obviously revolves around Tom Brady, but Maroney has gone fairly quiet under the radar, which has made him a strong candidate to become a sleeper pick in the middle rounds as a flex player.

36. Ricky Williams, Miami (Bye: 5)Three-year stats: 33G, 54/15 yds/gm, 18TDBreakdown: Where exactly did that come from? No one could have predicted the 32-year-old running back would turn back the clock, rushing for more than 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns. Don’t expect that much production again, but he will have a shot at 900 yards and eight or nine TDs, which is worthy of a seventh- or eighth-round pick.

37. Arian Foster, Houston + (Bye: 7)2009 stats: 6G, 43/16 yds/gm, 3TDBreakdown: His stock shot up about 15 to 20 spots with the Texans’ loss of rookie Ben Tate, who likely is out for the season with a broken ankle. Foster will be battling with incumbent Steve Slaton for carries, but Foster might have the better chance to win the top spot. This is one of the more intriguing races to watch in the preseason.

38. Michael Bush, Oakland (Bye: 10)Two-year stats: 31G, 33/7 yds/gm, 6TDBreakdown: On the surface, it appears as if the Raiders offense will just be putrid, unless quarterback Jason Campbell can help turn some things around. The truth is, however, that this team actually has some talent that was buried underneath the horrendous play of JaMarcus Russell. Out of that shadow, Bush has the talent to make a significant impact.

39. Montario Hardesty, Cleveland (Bye: 8)Three-year stats: None, rookieBreakdown: Already being nagged by a knee injury, this trendy pick might have to be knocked down a peg or two before draft time. Looks like Jerome Harrison is making a push to prove he is the one who should be the starter, and Hardesty needs to get on the field to make a statement. Still, Hardesty is the one with more talent and more upside, and if I had to choose between the two, I’d take the rookie.

40. Darren McFadden, Oakland (Bye: 10)Two-year stats: 25G, 34/21 yds/gm, 5TDBreakdown: Like Bush, McFadden gains value by the departure of Russell. With so much versatility, he could end up as a starting No. 3 back for your fantasy team, especially if you play in a points-per-reception league.

41. Steve Slaton, Houston (Bye: 7)Two-year stats: 27G, 64/29 yds/gm, 17TDBreakdown: His problem with fumbles has cost him a shot at being the clear-cut No. 1 back in Houston, However, with rookie Ben Tate going down for the season, it will be interesting to see whether he or Arian Foster gets the bulk of the carries. No matter who wins, the other still will get plenty of opportunities. And both have enough skills to be useful as a starting flex back.

42. Thomas Jones, Kansas City (Bye: 4)Three-year stats: 48G, 80/10 yds/gm, 31TDBreakdown: Seems to always be taken for granted, while all he does is perform. However, he turns 32 on Thursday and is entering the autumn of his football playing career. This, and a guy named Jamaal Charles, who is a top 15 fantasy back. While Charles will get the bulk of the carries, Jones still has enough in the tank to be a key contributor, especially near the goal line.

43. Jerome Harrison, Cleveland (Bye: 8)Three-year stats: 37G, 34/10 yds/gm, 9TDBreakdown: The Browns drafted Montario Hardesty to be their No. 1 back, but Harrison is having a tough time letting go. And if he keeps performing well in the preseason while Hardesty is out with injury, Harrison will keep the starting job. If that happens, he could be a nice sleeper. That’s a lot of ifs, however.

44. Darren Sproles, San Diego (Bye: 10)Three-year stats: 47G, 18/19 yds/gm, 15TDBreakdown: What ever happened to Sproles grabbing the lead RB role for the Chargers and running 99 yards with it? It never materialized, and the Chargers drafted Ryan Mathews. Realistically, Sproles doesn’t have all that much fantasy value, although he is more important in points-per-reception leagues.

45. Willis McGahee, Baltimore (Bye: 8)Three-year stats: 44G, 55/11 yds/gm, 29TDBreakdown: McGahee has become Mr. Feast or Famine. For three games, he’ll average 20 yards per game with no real sniffs of the end zone. Then, he’ll go for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Like I have said previously, consistency is the name of this game, and with Ray Rice solidly entrenched as a top-tier RB, the only reason one might really want McGahee is for Rice insurance.

46. Chester Taylor, Chicago (Bye: 8)Three-year stats: 46G, 43/18 yds/gm, 15TDBreakdown: Taylor’s stats are going to be pretty much the same no matter where he plays. In real football, the guy is just so valuable because of his selflessness and team-comes-first attitude. Unfortunately, that doesn’t play out in fantasy football, and his worth really only comes in leagues where touchdowns are more important than yardage.

47. Tim Hightower, Arizona (Bye: 6)Two-year stats: 32G, 31/21 yds/gm, 18TDBreakdown: When the Cardinals drafted Beanie Wells last season, the writing was on the wall for Hightower. However, he still rushed for eight touchdowns – just two less than in his rookie season of 2008 – and he still will get 10 to 12 touches per game, which could make him a solid backup.

48. Larry Johnson, Washington (Bye: 9)Three-year stats: 34G, 59/10 yds/gm, 9TDBreakdown: It’s nearly impossible to predict what sort of impact Johnson will have on Mike Shanahan’s Redskins. It seems like he has been around the league forever, but he’s only 30. And we all know Clinton Portis is ripe for an injury or two or three. Not a bad pick if you can grab him in the last few rounds.

49. Fred Jackson, Buffalo # (Bye: 6)Three-year stats: 40G, 48/22 yds/gm, 7TDBreakdown: Already injured and likely to miss the first game or two of the regular season, Jackson is going to have to work hard upon his return from a broken hand to wrest touches away from rookie C.J. Spiller and Marshawn Lynch. Jackson does have the ability, and if Spiller falters, he could regain the starting role by midseason.

50. Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo # (Bye: 6)Three-year stats: 41G, 63/16 yds/gm, 18TDBreakdown: Such a disappointing 2009 season already has lingered into 2010, as Lynch is out for the rest of the preseason with a sprained ankle. There really is no telling how useful he will be to a fantasy team, especially with Spiller having the upper hand. But late rounds are meant for gambles, and this could be a good one.

51. Toby Gerhart, Minnesota (Bye: 4)Three-year stats: None, rookieBreakdown: Don’t you just wish all running backs had his mentality? Just bull-rush the defenders ahead of you and find your way into the end zone. That’s how Gerhart was at Stanford, anyway, and it’s hard to imagine anything different in the NFL. Somehow, he will make an impact for the Vikings, especially near the goal line.

52. Kevin Smith, Detroit (Bye: 7)Two-year stats: 29G, 59/24 yds/gm, 13Breakdown: At one point in the recent past, it seemed as if Smith was going to crack the upper echelon of running backs. But an ACL injury put an abrupt end to that thinking, and now he has Jahvid Best likely to grab the starting role. Still, I love Smith as a late-round pick, as there’s a good chance he’ll have plenty of touches in a much-improved offense if his knee is OK.

53. Mike Bell, Philadelphia (Bye: 8)Three-year stats: 22G, 69/10 yds/gm, 6TDBreakdown: Until he fell into Sean Payton’s doghouse, Bell was proving just how good he can be. At the same time, he was rewarding those who spent their last pick on him. This time, he’ll be relief for LeSean McCoy instead of Pierre Thomas. Don’t be surprised if plays a good bit more than expected. Assuming he wears the right cleats, that is.

Elaine Thompson / Associated PressJulius Jones likely will have to play second fiddle to Justin Forsett in Seattle.

54. Julius Jones, Seattle (Bye: 5)Three-year stats: 45G, 43/11 yds/gm, 8TDBreakdown: Jones has had several chances to grab hold of a starting spot and be a top-15 RB. But every time he seems to disappoint. Until he proves that he is worthy, he’s not worth drafting. And now, with Justin Forsett in his way, he might not even see the field all that much.

55. Derrick Ward, Tampa Bay (Bye: 4)Three-year stats: 38 G, 54/19 yds/gm, 9TDBreakdown: A mediocre, backup running back on a bad football team isn’t going to help any fantasy football owner. Unless something happens to Cadillac Williams, Ward won’t be playing very much.

56. Jason Snelling, Atlanta (Bye: 8)Three-year stats: 37G, 19/9 yds/gm, 6TDBreakdown: Did a great job playing when Michael Turner was out with an injury last season, and you can bet that Coach Mike Smith will have him on the field even more this year. Could be worth a flier with one of your last picks, especially in deeper leagues.

57. Bernard Scott, Cincinnati (Bye: 6)2009 stats: 13G, 25/5 yds/gm, 0TDBreakdown: As a rookie, Scott never made his way into the end zone, but should get a few more chances this season. While he’s probably not worth drafting, keep an eye on him, and he could be worth a waiver-wire pickup at some point.

58. Correll Buckhalter, Denver (Bye: 9)Three-year stats: 42G, 41/11 yds/gm, 9TDBreakdown: It’s unsure how big of a role Buckhalter will have as a backup to Knowshon Moreno, especially now that the Broncos have LenDale White and Justin Fargas. As he often has been the past few years, Buckhalter already is battling injuries, but when he finds his way into the lineup, he usually produces.

59. Brian Westbrook, San Francisco (Bye: 9)2010 stats: 37G, 69/37 yds/gm, 28TDBreakdown: Westbrook signed with the 49ers late Monday, and he could bolt up the draft boards a bit as the backup to Frank Gore. Don't get too excited, as he won't get many touches, but he now is worthy of a late-round selection.

60. Javon Ringer, Tennessee (Bye: 9)2009 stats: 7G, 7/0 yds/gm, 0TDBreakdown: Looks like Ringer is the clear-cut guy to backup Chris Johnson in Tennessee, and he could have some decent value with LenDale White gone. Go ahead and take a chance on him in the last round, especially if anything were to happen to Johnson.

If you have any questions or comments, please send them to jderry@timespicayune.com. Don’t forget to include what the point system you play in and whether you play in a keeper league or not. Also, if you’re asking a question about your draft, it is important to know whether you’re in an auction or straight draft.